Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun held a meeting with Director General Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday, April 15, during the latter's visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK). The two sides exchanged views on key issues, covering ROK-IAEA cooperation, global issues such as recent developments in the Middle East, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula including the North Korean nuclear issue.

Minister Cho welcomed Director General Grossi’s third visit to the ROK during the latter’s term. He emphasized that as one of the world's top five nuclear powerhouses operating 26 nuclear reactors and the ninth-largest financial contributor to the IAEA, the ROK will continue to cooperate with the Agency in order to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the international community. On that note, Minister Cho requested the Director General’s special attention to ensure that more talented Koreans join and contribute to the IAEA, further facilitating cooperation between the ROK and the IAEA.

Director General Grossi expressed his gratitude to Minister Cho for the invitation to the ROK. Calling the ROK one of the global leaders in nuclear energy and a key partner of the IAEA, he affirmed that the IAEA will cooperate closely with the ROK as the Agency contributes to global peace and development through the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Regarding global and regional issues, Minister Cho expressed deep concern over the current situation in the Middle East. He voiced hope for the swift restoration of regional peace through ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, as well as for the resumption of free navigation for all vessels, including Korean ships, in the Strait of Hormuz. Director General Grossi shared these concerns and provided updates on recent developments regarding nuclear facilities in Iran and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.

Minister Cho explained the ROK government's efforts to end inter-Korean hostility and to realize peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula. Noting that the North Korean nuclear program remains one of the important issues for the IAEA, Director General Grossi expressed support for the ROK’s diplomatic efforts. He went on to explain the Agency’s efforts to strengthen its readiness to verify the North Korean nuclear program and looked forward to continued cooperation with the ROK on this matter.

Reaffirming his remarks from the telephone conversation with the Director General on March 9, Minister Cho emphasized that the ROK has fully complied with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and has implemented the highest level of safeguards. He reiterated that the ROK will communicate transparently with the IAEA throughout the process of introducing nuclear-powered submarines, and requested the IAEA’s cooperation. Director General Grossi stated that he expects the ROK to continue its faithful compliance with non-proliferation and safeguards obligations, and agreed to maintain close cooperation.